Finally. a new home for my V

[scook]

One of the things I’ve enjoyed about being a contractor is how easy it is to justify (in many cases, rationalize) buying another tool or piece of equipment. I’ve turned the corner on a MIG welder - just waiting for my son to arrange some time off the job to go with me. It’s been a really long wait - I’m definitely looking forward to getting the backlog of projects and repairs done.

[phatdaddy]

Scook, that is definitely a skill I wish I had. My dad had an old Lincoln arc welder that i could make sparks with and do some splatter welding with, but I never learned how to really weld. I understand the new wire fed machines are pretty simple to use. Don t know never tried., but would love to learn.

We did a job in Louisiana and EVERYBODY over there can weld. I think they teach it in the 5th grade.

D, any good project requires new tools

[Destroyer]

Phat, welding is simple really. Without getting into the exotic types there are really only 3 main ones. Stick, MIG and TIG. (Not counting gas welding or brazing of course) MIG (Metal inert Gas) and TIG (Tungsten inert Gas) can weld Aluminum. Stick cannot. I could show you how to stick weld in less than an hour. Just have to watch your heat settings and your polarity, depending on what you are welding. MIG is just like flux core wire feed except that your have an inert gas shielding your work. Although you can use it for thick metals, TIG is usually used for the really fine stuff. 1/16" and thinner, and of course, Aluminum.

Just remember that:
1) Welding is dangerous... you're working with white hot melted metal... burns are common, as are tiny holes in the tops of your shoes. DO NOT wear sneakers... trust me on this one.
2) DO NOT, EVER weld without a proper welding helmet on. You can permanently blind yourself very quickly from the intense light and radiation.
3) Welding fumes are harmful. Weld in a well vented area and avoid having your head right over where you are welding.
4) Always wear leather welding gloves and long sleeve shirts. The radiation from welding is enough to give you a sunburn in a short period of time.

[scook]

The only thing I’d add to D’s list is that fumes from welding galvanized material are really deadly. I’m planning to buy a Millermatic 211 - supposed to be VERY user friendly, which is what I need. There’s a guy in the neighborhood who does beautiful multidisciplinary work (built a small teardrop trailer that’s a work of art), whose certified in both steel and aluminum - says he’ll teach me to weld with it and I’m not turning down the offer. I’m looking forward to adding more metalwork to my projects.

[Destroyer]

Originally Posted by scook

The only thing I’d add to D’s list is that fumes from welding galvanized material are really deadly. I’m planning to buy a Millermatic 211 - supposed to be VERY user friendly, which is what I need. There’s a guy in the neighborhood who does beautiful multidisciplinary work (built a small teardrop trailer that’s a work of art), whose certified in both steel and aluminum - says he’ll teach me to weld with it and I’m not turning down the offer. I’m looking forward to adding more metalwork to my projects.

Unless you're doing it for a living, welding is one of those skills that you rarely need, but when you do need them they are real handy to know. Want to add another roller to your trailer? Weld one in place. Want to make a bird feeder? Weld one up. Emergency repair of ? Weld it.

Just remember to get a real good helmet. Personally, I love the instant darkening ones that Harbor Freight sells. So much easier than the old style where you had to flip the helmet down over your face. The batteries in the unit last several years depending on the usage. (And although they say that the batteries are not replaceable, if you know how to solder you can buy replacement batteries on ebay for less than 5 bucks) They're just regular button batteries, but with solder tabs on them. Mine uses (2) CR2032 batteries. All you need to do is melt the solder holding the old batteries and then solder the new ones in place. It's so simple that anyone with even basic soldering skills can do it).

I like the Millermatic 211. A bit pricy, but like all Miller products it has a well deserved reputation. Plus you can do MIG, MAG and Flux core welding with it. Very versatile.

[scook]

My son and I were discussing auto darkening helmets and I expressed concern about how quickly the cheaper ones darken. My ears are pretty well shot - I don’t want to screw up my eyes. He said he thought that may have been an issue in the earlier days, but shouldn’t be a problem now. I’ll have a look at the Harbor Freight offerings. Thanks D.

[oteps]

I use a harbor freight helmet. Works good so far, I can still see the computer. Im not a professional at all. Just self taught. THey seem to last for a couple years. I think its a lot easier if u need to hold stuff together and tack it.

[Destroyer]

Originally Posted by scook

My son and I were discussing auto darkening helmets and I expressed concern about how quickly the cheaper ones darken. My ears are pretty well shot - I don’t want to screw up my eyes. He said he thought that may have been an issue in the earlier days, but shouldn’t be a problem now. I’ll have a look at the Harbor Freight offerings. Thanks D.

I cannot swear to exactly when I bought my auto darkening helmet from HF, but I'm guessing it was at least 5 years ago. I've never had a problem with weld flash. Never even got spots before my eyes like you would get by looking at a bright flashlight. They really work well. Unless you really want the cool graphics of the expensive helmet, don't bother with one. The cheap ones HF sells are just the same in a plain Jane style. I can't see any difference in the performance of either one.